Partner provides National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) categorical exclusion checklists, environmental reviews, environmental assessments, and compliance services for lenders and other stakeholders involved in federally funded or permitted projects through federal agencies such as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other federal programs. Partner is adept at navigating the NEPA assessment process and evaluating the effects of a proposed action or project efficiently and cost-effectively.
The NEPA compliance process requires federal agencies to assess the environmental aspects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. A NEPA assessments evaluate a broad range of environmental factors that could be affected by a proposed government action, assessing both potential impacts and their significance, such as:
Partner also provides related services, including Cultural Resource (architectural and archeological) Surveys, Wetland Surveys, and Biological Evaluations, Environmental Consulting, and Environmental Health and Safety services.
NEPA compliance is required for a wide range of federal actions, including:
NEPA requires federal agencies to provide opportunities for public involvement and input throughout the NEPA process, including scoping, preparation of environmental documents (EIS or EA), and review and comment periods. Agencies must consider public comments and concerns in their decision-making process.
There are three main categories:
Categorical Exclusion (CX): Applies to actions with minimal environmental impact. No further NEPA documentation is required.
Environmental Assessment (EA): A concise document assessing potential environmental impacts. May lead to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): A detailed document analyzing potential environmental impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures.
Non-compliance with NEPA can result in legal challenges, project delays, injunctions, and court orders requiring agencies to prepare adequate environmental documentation or reconsider their decisions. It can also undermine public trust, lead to negative public perceptions, and result in project cancellations or modifications. Compliance with NEPA is essential to ensure that federal actions are environmentally responsible and legally defensible.